At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement initiatives and manage contracts for Estates and Facilities Management.
- Company: Join Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust, a family of specialist education providers.
- Benefits: Enjoy comprehensive training, flexible working, generous leave, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid role with a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your procurement skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector procurement; MCIPS membership preferred but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 49050 - 52187 € per year.
Salary: Grade PO4, FTE £49,050 to £52,187 per annum, inclusive of London Weighting Allowance
Location: Copthall House, 9 The Pavement, Grove Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 1DA
Working Pattern: This role is a permanent, full-time position working 5 days all year round. It is hybrid, requiring the employee to work from our offices in Sutton at least three days per week and possibly more, subject to business needs. It will also be necessary, on occasion, to visit our academies and colleges across London and the Southeast. The role is based on a 36‑hour per week basis, 8.45am – 4.30pm Monday–Thursday & 8.45am – 4.15pm Friday.
Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust (OHC&AT) is a family of specialist education providers for pupils and students from nursery to further education. We operate across academies and college centres in London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire and support our students with a wide range of learning abilities and additional needs.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Procurement & Contract Manager to join our team and play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering our procurement strategy. Working closely with the Head of Procurement, you will lead on key procurement initiatives across Estates and Facilities Management, including capital works projects and supplier management.
Key Responsibilities- Support the Head of Procurement in delivering the procurement strategy, best practices, tools, and guidance aligned to business and operational needs.
- Manage formal tendering and purchasing for Estates and Facilities Management, including capital works projects.
- Expand and maintain the Preferred Supplier List.
- Lead on procurement initiatives, ensuring value for money, cost savings, and exceptional customer service.
- Oversee and manage contract performance, ensuring compliance with SLAs and KPIs.
- Collaborate effectively with senior managers and external contractors.
- Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying new ways of working and innovative procurement solutions.
- Undertake benchmarking, financial and spend analysis, and due diligence checks.
- Manage end‑to‑end procurement processes, including ITTs.
- Provide hands‑on support across various projects within a small team environment.
- Membership of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (MCIPS) or working towards the qualification.
- Strong experience in public sector procurement and contract management (education sector experience desirable but not essential).
- Solid understanding of the upcoming Procurement Act 2024.
- Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and experience with e‑Tendering platforms (e.g., MyTender).
- Strong financial and analytical skills, with the ability to conduct benchmarking and spend analysis.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage senior leaders and contractors.
- Forward‑thinking, open, and positive approach with the ability to work independently.
- Flexible, hands‑on attitude with the ability to support wider team projects when required.
- Comprehensive training and development.
- Opportunities to engage with internal professional networks.
- Access to counselling advice and support via Health Assured (our employee assistance programme).
- Commitment to wellbeing supported by our occupational health service and mental‑health first aiders.
- Scope for career progression across nine college centres, 13 academy schools and Central Teams.
- Generous annual leave and flexible working schemes in addition to bank and public holidays and a Christmas closure period.
- Enrollment into the Teachers Pension Scheme (TPS) which has life cover and financial protection for your family.
- Enhanced parental leave schemes.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Season ticket loans.
- Home electronics scheme.
- Employee Car Lease Scheme.
Safeguarding Statement: Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all.
Procurement and Contract Manager employer: Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust
Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in Sutton, Surrey. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, comprehensive training, and career progression opportunities across multiple educational centres, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students with diverse needs. Our hybrid working model and generous benefits package, including enhanced parental leave and access to professional networks, make us an attractive choice for those seeking a rewarding career in education procurement.
Contact Detail:
Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement and Contract Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement and education sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its procurement strategies. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and challenges. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute from day one. We want to see that spark!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Procurement and Contract Manager. Highlight your achievements in cost savings and supplier management. We love hearing about real-life examples that demonstrate your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’ve got loads of resources to help you along the way. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement and Contract Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Procurement and Contract Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in public sector procurement and any specific projects that align with our needs at Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your financial and analytical skills, especially if you have experience with benchmarking and spend analysis. We want to see how you can contribute to our procurement strategy and deliver value for money.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and qualifications. We appreciate straightforward communication!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in procurement, especially the upcoming Procurement Act 2024. Being able to discuss how this impacts the role will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but are also forward-thinking.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with financial and spend analysis. Bring examples of how you've conducted benchmarking or due diligence checks in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to manage contracts effectively and ensure compliance with SLAs and KPIs.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think of specific instances where you've successfully collaborated with senior managers or external contractors. Highlight your communication skills and how you've built relationships to achieve procurement goals. This is key for a role that requires strong stakeholder management.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific procurement challenges. Prepare some scenarios from your past experiences where you led initiatives or improved processes. This will help you illustrate your hands-on approach and problem-solving abilities.
